A segmented traveling wave Mach Zehnder optical modulator is described. The segmented traveling wave Mach Zehnder optical modulator may comprise two or more radio frequency (RF) segments, and each RF segment may be configured to support a modulating RF signal. The modulating RF signals may be configured to modulate an optical signal propagating along an optical path of the segmented traveling wave Mach Zehnder optical modulator. The RF modulating signal in the second RF segment may be generated by amplifying the modulating RF signal of the first RF segment, using an RF amplifier. The RF amplifier may be configured to amplify a band-pass spectral portion of the modulating RF signal.